Healthy food and drink guidelines for Queensland school tuckshops

In 2016, changes were made to the way some food and drinks are classified under Smart Choices to align more closely with the National Healthy School Canteens Guidelines and the Australian Dietary Guidelines. These changes are reflected in the Updated 2016 Smart Choices Ready Reckoner. State schools are encouraged to implement these changes when they are able.

Smart Choices classifies food and drinks using a spectrum of GREEN, AMBER or RED. Items identified as RED are not suitable for tuckshop menus and their supply is limited to no more than two occassions per term. This applies to all situations where food and drink is supplied in the school environment including vending machines, school excursions, school camps, fundraising, classroom rewards, school events such as celebrations and sports days, and food used in curriculum activities.

QAST welcomes the opportunity to work with members of the food industry. We provide a Smart Choices Nutrition Advisory Service, which advises suppliers how their products are categorised within the Smart Choices strategy. We also provide opportunities for suppliers to advertise products to members – visit our Food Industry page to find out more.